Maupay urges Sevilla to ignore 'idle chatter' amid relegation battle
French striker Neal Maupay calls for focus at struggling Sevilla after January loan move from Marseille, expressing confidence in the squad's quality despite their position.
Sevilla’s January loan signing Neal Maupay has called for his new teammates to block out external noise and focus on turning their season around through hard graft on the training ground.
Loan move finally materialises
The French striker, who arrived at the Andalusian club on loan from Marseille with a €5 million purchase option, was officially unveiled to the media this week. After a failed attempt to secure his services last summer, Sporting Director Antonio Cordón finally got his man in January.
Maupay, who has already made his debut for the struggling side, was refreshingly honest about the club’s current predicament while maintaining an optimistic outlook.
“We can’t let the chatter affect us,” the former Brighton and Everton forward insisted, acknowledging the pressure surrounding the six-time Europa League winners as they battle to climb away from the relegation zone.
Almeyda’s intensity
The 27-year-old spoke glowingly about manager Matías Almeyda, describing him as “passionate” with “a great vision of football” who demands intense training sessions. Maupay was quick to defend the coaching staff from criticism:
“I know sometimes it’s easy to blame management or a coach, but we have a fantastic technical staff. In the end, the players are responsible for our performance on the pitch.”
French connection
Before making the move, Maupay sought advice from compatriot Geoffrey Kondogbia, who gave Sevilla a ringing endorsement:
“He told me it was an incredible club, an incredible city, with amazing fans and said I had to come,” Maupay revealed. “I was already very sure of my decision, but it added even more certainty.”
The striker also consulted goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, who echoed these positive sentiments about the Andalusian outfit.
Experience to guide young talent
Despite the club’s precarious position, Maupay believes his experience in both France and England can benefit Sevilla’s younger players:
“With my experience, I think I can help the team, as we have great players who are very young and who can benefit from that. They’re fantastic lads, I see a lot of quality, and now we need to push on.”
With the club desperate to climb the table, Maupay’s arrival could be just what the doctor ordered. But as they say in the East End, it’s time for less rabbit and more action on the pitch.